Unloaded OC?

This is a discussion on Unloaded OC? within the Open Carry Issues & Discussions forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; I used to be able to CC without a permit, so I'm comfortable carrying 24/7. While I'm waiting on my CC permit to arrive, and ...

Unloaded OC?

I used to be able to CC without a permit, so I'm comfortable carrying 24/7. While I'm waiting on my CC permit to arrive, and my only option to have any decent sort of weapon is to OC. I have to go to and from a shady neighborhood pretty regularly. I got the idea of going to a nicer neighborhood (full of republicans) and OCing unloaded just to see how it feels for the first time. Thoughts?

Can't recall which states there are that have OC-okay-if-unloaded type statutes, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Spray, knife, firearm in whatever mode of carry is lawful (OC/unloaded, if required to be that way). Fine, I say, if you've got no other options. Just get bloody good at quick mag changes and activating that puppy.

Originally Posted by archer51

If your not going to have the gun loaded, what's the sense of carrying it? Just stick a few rocks in your pocket and go about your business.

It's better than nothing, assuming it can be "activated" within a couple seconds. Won't work well with an ambush, no, but it's better than being left there with nothing but your car keys and wallet in your hands as defensive tools.

OC, where legal, is a viable alternative to CC. However if you're not going to keep it loaded then you're better off not carrying it at all. Is there a reason you don't want to OC a loaded sidearm? If that's a requirement of your state or local laws, I can understand, However if safety is your main concern then I would respectfully submit that more training and practice is on order, so that you can feel more comfortable with carrying a loaded firearm. A loaded sidearm in your holster is no more a danger to you or the people around you then an unloaded one, and if you find yourself in a situation where you need it...well you get the idea.

To quote the late great Jeff Cooper, "Note, is this loaded? Of course it's loaded! I carry it that way because if it were not loaded it would be useless."

Open carry is not legal in Denver. I don't think unloaded makes a difference. If you are outside Denver in most of the rest of the state, you don't need a CWP to open carry. You can also keep a loaded handgun in your vehicle without a permit.

I used to be able to CC without a permit, so I'm comfortable carrying 24/7. While I'm waiting on my CC permit to arrive, and my only option to have any decent sort of weapon is to OC. I have to go to and from a shady neighborhood pretty regularly. I got the idea of going to a nicer neighborhood (full of republicans) and OCing unloaded just to see how it feels for the first time. Thoughts?

I'm still trying to figure out why someone would carry an unloaded gun other than if it is being taken somewhere for repair, just doesn't make much sense to me.

I'm still trying to figure out why someone would carry an unloaded gun other than if it is being taken somewhere for repair, just doesn't make much sense to me.

Simple: in the case described, where apparently not having a CHL yet combines with the only lawful alternative of carrying openly, though OC requires it to be unloaded in that state. IF THAT IS THE CASE, then it makes perfect sense why a person might opt for that mode of carry, at least until the CHL arrives.

Unknown if CO/Denver is such a place. The OP should evaluate the statutes in his state, to be certain. There are some states that allow OC, but without CHL some municipalities that disallow loaded firearms without a CHL.

Otherwise, I agree with you: desiring to carry a firearm yet carrying one unloaded means that, at least for the duration of its being unloaded, one merely has a club and the potential of turning that club into a firearm. In such a case, hopefully a person has perfected the rapid-load sequence of steps, else any rapidly-moving situation could get hopeless quickly.

Simple: in the case described, where apparently not having a CHL yet combines with the only lawful alternative of carrying openly, though OC requires it to be unloaded in that state. IF THAT IS THE CASE, then it makes perfect sense why a person might opt for that mode of carry, at least until the CHL arrives.

Unknown if CO/Denver is such a place. The OP should evaluate the statutes in his state, to be certain. There are some states that allow OC, but without CHL some municipalities that disallow loaded firearms without a CHL.

Otherwise, I agree with you: desiring to carry a firearm yet carrying one unloaded means that, at least for the duration of its being unloaded, one merely has a club and the potential of turning that club into a firearm. In such a case, hopefully a person has perfected the rapid-load sequence of steps, else any rapidly-moving situation could get hopeless quickly.

Very true I guess I just assumed it wasn't the case if you OC'd it had to be unloaded because I don't think it was stated is why I couldn't wrap my head around it. Thanks for the info I had no idea some states had that law.

You can be robbed in a nice neighborhood just as well as a bad one. If your going to OC you might as well load up, no sense in carrying an empty gun because you never know what is around the next corner. Be safe and do the right thing .

Always carry loaded God forbid you are attacked by someone, they are not going to wait for you to rack the slide. Though your profile does say you live in Denver and open carry in the city of Denver became prohibited a while ago. Anywhere else in Colorado is ok I believe.http://www.opencarry.org/?page_id=207